Thrissur ( Trichur / Trishur) (Malayalam: തൃശ്ശൂര്‍) is a revenue district of Kerala situated in the central part of the state. Spanning an area of about 3,032 sq km, Thrissur district is home to over 10% of Kerala’s population, a mix of traditionally rich and the neo-rich. Thrissur district was formed on July 1, 1949, with the headquarters at Thrissur town. Thrissur is known as the cultural capital of Kerala, and the land of Poorams. The district is famous for its ancient temples, churches, and mosques. Thrissur Pooram is the most colourful and spectacular temple festival in Kerala. Some renowned shrines like Guruvayur temple, and Vadakkunnathan temple are situated in this district.

Etymology

The name Thrissur is derived from 'Thiru-Shiva-Perur' (Malayalam: തൃശ്ശിവേപരൂര്‍), which translates to "The city with the name of the Lord Siva". Thrissur was also known as "Vrishabhadripuram" and "Then Kailasam" (Kailasam of the south) in ancient days.[citation needed] Another interpretation is 'Tri-shiva-peroor' or the big land with three Shiva temples, which refers to the three places where Lord Shiva resides - namely Punkunnam Siva temple, Kottapuram Siva temple and Vadakkunnathan temple.

History

From ancient times, Thrissur District has played a part in the political history of south India. The early political history of the District is interlinked with that of the Cheras of the Sangam age, who ruled over vast portions of Kerala with their capital at Vanchi. The whole of the present Thrissur District was included in the early Chera Empire. The District can claim to have played a part in fostering the trade relations between Kerala and the outside world in the ancient and medieval period.

Cheraman Jama Masjid built around 612 AD by Malik Ibn Dinar. First mosque constructed in India. A block of white marble in the mosque is believed to have been brought from Mecca.

Kodungalloor which had the distinction of being the "Primum Emporium India", gave shelter to all the three communities which have contributed to the prosperity of Malabar'. These three communities are the Christians, the Jews and the Muslims. The history of Thrissur district from the 9th to the 12th centuries is the history of Kulasekharas of Mahodayapuram and the history since 12th century is the history of the rise and growth of Perumpadappu Swarupam.

In 1790 Raja Rama Varma (1790-1805) popularly known as Saktan Tampuran ascended the throne of Cochin. With the accession of this ruler the English or modern period in the history of Cochin and of the District began. Saktan Tampuran was mainly responsible for the destruction of the power of the feudal Nair chieftains and increase of royal power. Another force in the public life of Trichur and its suburbs was the Namboodithiri community and Menons of Royal ancestry. A large part of the Trichur Taluk was for long under the domination of the Yogiatiripppads, the ecclesiastical heads of the Vadakkunnathan and Perumanam Devaswoms.

The wave of nationalism and political consciousness which swept through the country since the early decades of this century has its repercussions in the District as well. Thrissur District has been in the forefront of the country-wide movement for temple entry and abolition of untouchability. The Guruvayur Satyagraha is a memorable episode in the history of the national movement.

Demographics

According to the 2001 India census, Thrissur District had a population of 2,975,440 [1]. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Thrissur has a literacy rate of 86%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 87%, and female literacy is 85%. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age. Hindus ,Christians and Muslims constitute the bulk of the population.

The Ezhavas are numerically the most dominant Hindu community of Thrissur followed by Dheevarars and Nairs. Ambalavasis and Tamil brahmins also form a percentage of the Hindu population. The Scheduled Castes, around 12 % of the population of the district, also form a section among the Hindus of the district. The Catholics - both Syro Malabar and Latin, Jacobites and Chaldeans are the main sections of the Christian Community in the district. Catholics constitute 91% of the Christian population of the district spreading in 5 dioceses namely Thrissur (4,60,000), Irinjalakkuda (2,52,000) and Kottappuram (75,000). Jacobites and Chaldean Syrians constitute the rest.

Kunnamkulam, a small town in the northern part of the district is the center for the Jacobites. Jacobite church (40000 followers counting both factions together) has 2 diocese in the district, namely Kunnamkulam for Orthodox faction and Thrissur for Jacobite faction. Chaldean Syrians spread around Thrissur city with 25,000 followers. A church known as Thozhiyoor church has its own headquarters at Guruvayur with 7000 followers. Muslims live predominantly in the coastal belt of the district, from north Punnayoorkkulam to South Azhikode. They are dominant in Guruvayur and Chavakkad, in good in numbers Kodungalloor, Kaipamangalam and Nattika areas Sunnis are the major section in Muslim community.

Geography and climate

Thrissur is situated in south western India 10°31′N76°13′E﻿ / ﻿10.52°N 76.21°E﻿ / 10.52; 76.21 and is in the central part of Kerala, India. Thrissur is at sea level and spans an area of about 3032 km². It is bounded on the north by Palakkad district, on the east by Palakkad district and Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, on the south by Ernakulam district, and on the west by the Arabian Sea (54 km).
Descending from the heights of the Western Ghats in the east, the land slopes towards the west forming three distinct natural divisions - the highlands, the plains and the sea board

The district has a tropical humid climate with an oppressive hot season and plentiful and seasonal rainfall. The hot season from March to May is followed by the South West Monsoon season from June to September. The period from December to February is the North East Monsoon season. However the rain stops by the end of December and the rest of the period is generally dry.

The town is built around a hillock, crowned by the famous Vadakkumnathan (Siva) Temple. The temple is a classical example of Kerala style of architecture and houses several sacred shrines. Malik Bin Deenar and 20 others who were the followers Muhammad, the founder of Islam, first landed in Kodungallur in Thrissur district when they came to India. Islam received royal patronage in some places here, and later spread to other parts of India. He built the mosque Cheraman Juma Masjid there in the shape of a Hindu temple. It is generally considered to be the second mosque in the world after the one at Medina.

Thrissur also has added to its name The Church of Our Lady of Dolors, popularly known as the New Church. It is the biggest church in South Asia. The first church of India is also situated in Thrissur, the St. Thomas church at Palayoor. The Metropolitan of the Chaldean Syrian Church (the name used for the Church of the East in India) is also headquartered in Thrissur, and many religious publications are printed by Mar Narsai Press. The largest Christian pilgrim center in the district, St.Joseph's Shrine is situated at Pavaratty. SaintThomas (Apostle) is believed to have landed in Kodungalloor (Muziris) in 52 AD. The Saint Thomas Church established by him houses many ancient relics.

Guruvayur, famous for the Sree Krishna Temple, is situated 25 km to the North of the city. It is a sacred place not only for Keralites but for Hindus all over the world as well. The adjacent towns of Chavakkad and Kunnamkulam are important centers of Muslims and Christians respectively. The Temple at Thriprayar is another important place of worship. This ancient temple is one of the few Temples dedicated to Lord Srirama in Kerala. Incidentally, two other temples dedicated to Lord Rama, viz., the Thiruvilwamala Temple and the Kadavallur Temple fall in Thrissur district.

Kodungallur, the capital of the erstwhile Chera Empire, is a region of great archeological and historical significance. The famous Bhagavathi Temple here attracts thousands of devotees from all over Kerala. The Cheraman Juma Masjid, believed to be the oldest Mosque in India is situated here. Irinjalakkuda, where the only Bharatha Temple in India is located, is another place of importance. The Unnayi Warrier Smaraka Kalanilayam which is located near the Koodalmanickyam Temple is an important center of Kathakali Learning. Since ancient times Thrissur has been the most important center of Vedic Learning in Kerala. Yagas are still conducted in her soil with the same fervour as they used to be. The only centre of traditional Vedic Learning left in Kerala is situated at the heart of Thrissur Town.

Media

The first newspaper which published from Thrissur was Lokamanyan in 1920. Then came Deenabandhu in 1941. Major Malayalam newspapers published in Thrissur include Malayala Manorama, Mathrubhumi, Deshabhimani, Deepika, Kerala Koumudi and Madhymam. A number of evening papers are also published from the city. Newspapers in other regional languages like Hindi, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu are also sold in large numbers.

Industries

Thrissur is famous for the power loom industry and the Textile Mills like the Alagappa Textiles in Alagappa Nagar, Kerala Lakshmi Mills at Pullazhi, Thrissur Cotton Mills at Nattika, Rajgopal Textiles at Athani, Sitaram Spinning and Weaving Mills Thrissur, Vanaja Textiles at Kuriachira and Kunnath Textiles at Thrissur. Thrissur are engaged in the manufacture of hosiery products.

The coir and the tile industry offer employment for many people in the district. The first saw mill in the state was erected at Trichur (1905). Most of the timber is brought down from the forests to Thrissur and Chalakkudy, which are the most important timber marts in the District. Canning industry has sprung up in Thrissur and Darlco Cannings and Kayee Plantations Cannings; both situated at Thrissur are important units. The Thrissur Fruits and Vegetables Marketing Society are establishing a canning industrial unit at Nadathara and it is going on very successfully. Besides all these the match stick industry, pharmaceuticals, printing etc give Thrissur its fame as a bustling industrial centre. The first Worker's Indian Coffee House of the state was opened in Thrissur (1957).

Places of interest in Thrissur Rural District

Athirapilly Water Falls (63 km from Thrissur City) This 80 feet high waterfall at the threshold of the Sholayar ranges is a popular picnic spot. Two amusement parks - DreamWorld and SilverStorm - are located nearby.

This article requires significantly more historical detail on the particular phases of this location's historical development. The ideal article for a place will give the reader a feel for what it was like to live at that location at the time their relatives were alive there..
Please help to improve this page yourself if you can..

Thrissur ( Trichur / Trissur) (Malayalam: തൃശ്ശൂര്‍) is a district situated in the central part of Kerala state, India. Thrissur district was formed in July 1, 1949. The head quarters of the district has the same name, Thrissur City. It is an important cultural centre, and is known as the "Cultural Capital of Kerala". It is famous for the Thrissur Pooram festival, the most colourful and spectacular temple festival of Kerala. It has a large number of well known temples around, including Guruvayur, Thriprayar, Kodungaloor and Irinjalakkuda.

Etymology

The name Thrissur is derived from 'Tri-Shiva-Perur' (Malayalam: തൃശ്ശിവേപരൂ൪) , which means the place with three famous Sivatemples which are said to be the Vadakkunnathan, Kottapuram Siva Temple and Punkunnam Siva Temple. (Alternately, the name can be parsed as 'Thiru-Siva-Perur', the place with the holy name of Siva). Thrissur was also known as Vrishabhadripuram and Ten Kailasam in ancient days.

History

Main article: History of Thrissur

From ancient times, Thrissur District has played a significant part in the political history of south India. The early political history of the District is interlinked with that of the Cheras of the Sangam age, who ruled over vast portions of Kerala with their capital at Vanchi. The whole of the present Thrissur District was included in the early Chera Empire. The District can claim to have played a significant part in fostering the trade relations between Kerala and the outside world in the ancient and medieval period. <p> Kodungalloor which had the unique distinction of being the "Primum Emporium India", also belongs to the signal honour of having first given shelter to all the three communities which have contributed to the prosperity of Malabar'. These three communities are the Christians, the Jews and the Muslims. The history of Thrissur District from the 9th to the 12th centuries is the history of Kulasekharas of Mahodayapuram and the history since 12th century is the history of the rise and growth of Perumpadappu Swarupam. <p> In 1790 Raja Rama Varma (1790-1805) popularly known as Saktan Tampuran ascended the throne of Cochin. With the accession of this ruler the English or modern period in the history of Cochin and of the District began. Saktan Tampuran was mainly responsible for the destruction of the power of the feudal chieftains and increase of royal power. Another potent force in the public life of Trichur and its suburbs was the Namboodithiri community. A large part of the Trichur Taluk was for long under the domination of the Yogiatiripppads, the ecclesiastical heads of the Vadakkunnathan and Perumanam Devaswoms. <p> The wave of nationalism and political consciousness which swept through the country since the early decades of this century has its repercussions in the District as well. Thrissur District can claim the honour of having been in the forefront of the country-wide movement for temple entry and abolition of untouchability. The famous Guruvayur Satyagraha is a memorable episode in the history of the national movement.

Demographics

As of 2001 India censusGRIndia, Thrissur District had a population of 2,975,440 [1]. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Thrissur has an average literacy rate of 86%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 87%, and female literacy is 85%. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

The Nairs and the Ezhavas are numerically the most dominant castes of Thrissur. There is also a large population of Ambalavasis and Pattars(Tamil brahmins). The Scheduled Castes, around 12 % of the population of the district, also form a significant section among the Hindus of the district.

The Catholics - both Syrian and Latin, Jacobites and Chaldeans are the main sections of the Christian Community in the district. Catholics constitute 91% of the Christian population of the district spreading in 5 dioceses namely Thrissur(4,60,000), Irinjalakkuda(2,52,000) and Kottappuram(75,000). Jacobites and Chaldean Syrians constitute the rest. Kunnamkulam, a small town in the northern part of the district is the important center for the Jacobites. Jacobite church (40000 followers counting both factions together) has 2 diocese in the district, namely Kunnamkulam for Orthodox faction and Thrissur for jacobite faction. Chaldean Syrians speread around Thrissur city with 25000 followers. A church known as Thozhiyoor church has its own heardquarters at Guruvayur with 7000 followers.

Muslims live predominantly in costal belt, from north Punnayoorkkulam to South Azhikode, of the district. Sunnis are the major section in Muslim community.

Geography and climate

Thrissur is situated in south western India 10.52° N 76.21° E and is in the central part of Kerala state_name, India. Thrissur is at sea level and spans an area of about 3032 km². It is bounded on the north by Palakkad district, on the east by Palakkad district and Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, on the south by Ernakulam and Idukki districts, and on the west by the Arabian Sea(54 km).
Descending from the heights of the Western Ghats in the east, the land slopes towards the west forming three distinct natural divisions - the highlands, the plains and the sea board

The district has a tropical humid climate with an oppressive hot season and plentiful and seasonal rainfall. The hot season from March to May is followed by the South West Monsoon season from June to September. The period from December to February is the North East Monsoon season, although the rain stop by the end of December and the rest of the period is generally dry.

Culture

Thrissur is built around a hillock, crowned by the famous Vadakkunathan (Siva) Temple, believed to have been founded by legendary Parasurama. The temple is a classical example of Kerala style of architecture and houses several sacted shrines.

Malik Bin Deenar and 20 others who were the followers Muhammad, the founder of Islam, first landed in Kodungallur in Thrissur district when they came to India. Islam received royal patronage in some states here, and later spread to other parts of India. He built a mosque Cheraman Juma Masjid there in the shape of a Hindu temple. It could also have been the first mosque in the world as the exact date of making is not known. Though, generally it is considered to be the second mosque of the world after the mosque in Medina,Saudi Arabia

Thrissur also has added to its name The Church of Our Lady of Dolors, popularly known as the New Church. It is the biggest church in South Asia. The first church of India is also situated in Thrissur, the St. Thomas church at Palayoor. The Metropolitan of the Chaldean Syrian Church (the name used for the Church of the East in India) is also headquartered in Thrissur, and many religious publications are printed by Mar Narsai Press. The largest Christian piligrim centre in the district, St.Joseph's Shrine is situated at Pavaratty.

SaintThomas is believed to have landed in Kodungalloor (Formerly called Muziris) in 52 AD. The Saint Thomas Church established by him houses ancient relics.

Guruvayur is situated 25 km north-west of the city, here the famous Sree Krishna temple is situated, is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of India. The historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to belief, the temple was created by Guru - the preceptor of the Gods and Vayu - the God of winds.

The major cultural attraction is the Thrissur Pooram festival, celebrated during April - May, the Elephant Umbrella competition is spectacular, as richly caparisoned elephants carrying ceremonial umbrellas take the deity around the main temple. The passionate drum concerts and the spectacular firework displays are all part of the Pooram celebration.

Another attraction is a Sri Rama temple at Triprayar. The Ekadashi festival attracts thousands of devotees.

However, it is interesting to note that the culture of the Talappilly Taluk, northern part of Thrissur district, slightly differs from other parts of the district, and resembles Valluvanad in festivals and customs.

Industries

Thrissur is famous for the power loom industry and the Textile Mills like the Alagappa Textiles in AlagappaNagar, Kerala Lakshmi Mills at Pullazhi, Thrissur Cotton Mills at Nattika, Rajgopal Textiles at Athani, Sitaram Spinning and Weaving Mills Thrissur, Vanaja Textiles at Kuriachira and Kunnath Textiles at Thrissur. Thrissur are engaged in the manufacture of hosiery products. The coir and the tile industry offer employment for many people in the district. The first saw mill in the state was erected at Trichur (1905). Most of the timber is brought down from the forests to Thrissur and Chalakkudy, which are the most important timber marts in the District. Canning industry has sprung up in Thrissur and Darlco Cannings and Kayee Plantations Cannings; both situated at Thrissur are important units. The Thrissur Fruits and Vegetables Marketing Society are establishing a canning industrial unit at Nadathara and it is going on very successfully. Besides all these the match stick industry, pharmaceuticals, printing etc give Thrissur its fame as a bustling industrial centre. The first Worker's Indian Coffee House of the state was opened in Thrissur (1957).

Places of Interest in Thrissur Rural

Athirapilly Water Falls (63 km from Thrissur City) This 80 feet high waterfall at the threshold of the Sholayar ranges is a popular picnic spot. Two amusement parks - DreamWorld and SilverStorm - are located nearby.

Vadanappally This is the one of special grade panchayat in the Trichur district, and a part of Malabar,with number of TEMPLES, mosques and church,"THIS IS THE GOLD COAST OF THRISSUR". National Highway 17 cross through Vadanappally.

This page uses content from the English language Wikipedia. The original content was at Thrissur district. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with this Familypedia wiki, the content of Wikipedia is available under the Creative Commons License.